I have a majorly embarrassing fear of surgery. It is so irrational that I will put off procedures that I need. I’m afraid that when I’m under anesthesia that I could wake up, or I could have awareness/feel pain and not be able to communicate it to the surgical team. I’ve heard that they give you drugs so you don’t remember at all- my anxiety-ridden brain wonders if we are all suffering during the procedure and we just forget upon waking. I understand that quite a few folks will require surgery during their lifetime. I have had IV sedation during procedures, and despite having no problems, I am utterly terrified. Please tell me about how ridiculous I am being.
In: 17
Be up front about your anxiety in the pre-op visit. Just went through surgery and told them I was more concerned with the anesthesia than the actual procedure. They gave me a bit of “liquid courage” prior to surgery and there was zero anxiety after that. Next thing I knew someone was offering me a Sprite with a straw post-op and it was the best thing I’ve ever drank.
Also reading up about it on the Internet is pretty much guaranteed to freak you out. You’ve gotten some great responses here but there’s plenty of fear fuel out there that’s based on “feelings” and “I think”.
Latest Answers